Financing can change how a project fits the household budget, but the monthly payment is only one part of the decision. Compare the cash price, financed price, interest rate, term, total payments, lender fees, promotional-period rules and any incentive assumptions before signing.
What to compare before choosing financing
- Cash price vs. financed price: confirm whether lender or dealer fees change the total project price.
- APR, term and total of payments: compare the full repayment cost, not only the first monthly payment.
- Promotional rules: identify when rates or payments change and whether deferred interest applies.
- Prepayment terms: ask whether there is a penalty or an expected lump-sum principal reduction.
- Secured vs. unsecured: determine whether the financing creates a lien, assessment or other claim affecting the property.
- Project changes: understand how change orders, permit delays, equipment substitutions or cancellation affect the loan.
Financing by project type
Compare equipment scope, ductwork, electrical needs, permits and current utility-program assumptions.
Compare the gross project price, ownership structure, utility rules and battery strategy before financing assumptions.
Price the project without assuming an SGIP award unless eligibility and reservation status are confirmed.
When roofing overlaps with solar, HVAC or electrical work, compare the combined scope and each trade responsibility.
GoGreen Home financing for eligible California projects
GoGreen Home is a California energy-upgrade financing program administered through the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority. Eligible homeowners and renters may be able to finance qualifying improvements such as heat-pump HVAC, insulation, windows, EV charging and certain bundled solar-plus-battery projects through participating lenders.
Eligibility depends on the property, utility service, approved energy measures, participating contractor requirements, lender underwriting and current program rules. HUS can help identify whether a proposed scope appears to fit the program, but financing approval, rates, terms and final program eligibility are determined by the participating lender and program administrator. See the official California GoGreen Home program for current requirements.
GoGreen Home currently advertises a special financing promotion for qualifying low-income residents in eligible Priority Population communities who install a qualifying heat-pump HVAC system or heat-pump water heater. The program's February 2026 promotion terms state that eligible loans with terms up to 10 years may qualify for 0% interest, while terms longer than 10 years through 15 years may qualify for 2%, with a project maximum of $30,000.
This is not a blanket HUS financing offer. Address, income, community, measure, contractor, lender and underwriting requirements all apply, and the promotion can change. Reverify the live program before using a rate or monthly payment in project planning. Check the current GoGreen heat-pump financing program.
Incentives and financing are separate decisions
A rebate, utility program or tax treatment should not be treated as guaranteed financing proceeds. Program funding, reservations, equipment eligibility, income requirements and current law can change. Review the current California & LA Home Upgrade Incentives Tracker and confirm program status before including any incentive in project economics.
For project-specific financing, approval, rates, amounts and terms are determined by the lender. HUS can review available financing paths alongside the written project scope, but lender approval and tax treatment remain separate.
Frequently asked questions
Can HVAC, solar, roofing and battery financing be reviewed together?
Often, yes. When multiple trades overlap, HUS can review the full written scope and available financing paths together. Final approval, amount, rate and terms depend on the lender.
Should I base my monthly payment on an expected rebate?
Only if the applicable program has confirmed eligibility and the financing documents clearly explain the assumption. Compare the payment with and without the expected incentive.
How do I get started?
Start with the HUS Home Upgrade Planner so the property, project scope and available payment paths can be reviewed together before you commit.
HVAC financing · Solar & battery financing · Incentives tracker